City of Lawrence Nature Park is a 100 acres natural reserve obtained from 3 land purchases and the…read moreLichtwardt's donation. The Baldwin Creek watershed runs through the massive reserve. The unpaved trails run through the park and is wonderful for nature walk. The land features steep contours, limestone out-cropping, and a varieties of trees. City of Lawrence Nature Park is a remnant of Lawrence before deforestation. The only thing I didn't like about the park is the map. It's extremely easy to get lost in this massive reserve. I've been here twice already and I've gotten lost both times. It takes a long time to get out of the reserve. I feel like more exits would be helpful.

These gardens and walking paths are beautiful and well attended. We enjoyed a walk everyday we…read morewere visiting Topeka. Just amazing! I cannot wait to come back.

Great use of outdoors, strolling in peace. Plenty of sidewalk and paths, great open space with…read moreareas to stop and reflect, meditate or picnic.

First weekend out camping and kayaking. Great camping site and beautiful lake. Restroom facilities…read moredid their job but could be a little cleaner. Hot weekend but good breezes. Water was a tad choppy but enjoyed the kayaking.

Perry state park is about 20 miles northeast of Topeka Kansas and is one of the better Kansas state…read moreparks that I have been to. A beach, campgrounds, and a boating/ fishing area is available to the public as well as an extensive hiking area. I partook in the hiking area, and it was well worth it. This is a real hiking area, no paved trails or off looks, just rocky crags, and a challenge. There are about eight trails that weave extensively through several different terrains including wooded areas, lake sides, prairie grass, and steep climbs. The trails were not well marked and one could easily get lost, as I said before the trails often weaved into each other and it was hard to tell which trail you were on at times. Even the provided maps were not that helpful because there was no legend to tell you how long the trails are. These trails are not really meant for the leisurely hiking/ bicycling type, and as a word of warning make sure you bring bug repellent, after the trek my partner and I found several ticks and other bugs crawling all over us.

Wide open area very peaceful when there is no construction, still peaceful on the weekends though…read moreyou should definitely give it a go the area is will kept and not many people seem to use it.

Long-time user of the George Latham Hiking Trail on the back side of Clinton Lake. This fairly well…read moremaintained but rugged trail is just over 4 miles long and is usually hiked counter-clockwise. The first half mile is all decent with plenty of well used camping areas just off the trail in either direction. Unfortunately (but not the fault of the trail design) lots of folks leave too much trash in the areas designated for fires. At about the half mile point the lake is visible pretty much for the next 2-3 miles before you start the climb out towards the parking lot. Expect: rugged rocky trails, decent markings on the trees, and lots of rocks. Be warned: go on this walk during tick season minus long pants and be prepared to pay a dear price--this from experience. Wear long pants with ties around the ankles and you might be OK. My advice is avoid this hike during those times as parts of the trail go through grassy areas where plenty of opportunities exist for the little critters. Around the 1 mile mark is a great, perfectly placed bench with a great view of the lake. Nice place to stop if you're just in no hurry and want to enjoy the scenery. If you go: the last half mile to the area is dirt road, and poorly maintained. If it's been raining you'd better be in four-wheel drive. Otherwise if it's dry, it's just a very rough road. Drive slow. Snow... forget it. As always, take your trash with you and pack it out on the hike. Trash barrels and an outdoor toilet once you get to the parking lot. Moderate elevation change that shouldn't be a problem: expect to take around 2 hours unless you're in a hurry. Wear hiking shoes as the rocks can be rough, although I have done it in sneakers, but not recommended.

Loved hiking the George Latham trail and will definitely going to have to camp out there sometime!…read moreThe George Latham Trail is a 4.5 mi loop with random camping spots scattered throughout. An interesting stone wall that I wonder what it was for, and the trail stops by the waterside on a couple of occasions. CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS. I didn't get any but we found 8 ticks total on my boyfriend after we finished the trail. For how close the trail is to Lawrence it really feels like you're further away.

The giant wren is cool to see but the park is nothing more than a boulevard and the area seems a…read morelittle sketchy.

This very small park is located adjacent to the large parking area for the Capitol buildings. You…read morecan't miss the park thanks to the gigantic bird mounted there. Well, the bird is actually a wren and it turns out that it is the world's largest wren. Yep. Purchased from a local radio station that shutdown and now it's here. The park is clean, well manicured and other than the gigantic bird, devoid of features. If it wasn't so small, it would be a good spot for a picnic. [Review 11412 overall, 1189 of 2019.]

Upgrades to golf shop and and course make this a great value to this area of KS. Randy continues…read morehis customer friendly approach and hospitality. We continue to look forward to our annual golf outing with friends at VILLAGE GREENS.

There are a lot of reasons to adore this park, but for me, it's access to what I think are the best…read morehiking trails in eastern Kansas, and use them I do, frequently. Yesterday it was the entire length of the White Trail, 12 miles of rolling soft path dirt and rock among the trees, coves and inlets on the Northwest side of the lake. The Blue trail is another favorite, 8 miles of mostly flat trail that hugs the lakefront making for lots of good shade and scenery usually running a few yards below the more snaking White trail. There's a third shorter trail I've not set foot on but only because it's shorter than I wish. Unlike the Eastern back side of the lake at Woodridge Park which is one of the nicest 4.5 hikes to be found anywhere, the North Shore trails can be safely hiked during tick season in shorts but I'd still recommend you take precaution and check yourself frequently in the spring and summer. The trail is wide enough and well maintained so no grass to walk through. Just don't get off the trail because they're definitely lurking, this from experience. The two main trails are accessed from Overlook Park on the Northeast side, just minutes from west Lawrence. Very well travelled, very well maintained. Lots of shade. Both the White and Blue have multiple access points to the lake and camping areas and access roads so if you had to bail, there are plenty of places. However, private enough you can almost imagine you're miles from everything, but you aren't. Lots of wildlife. Expect to see deer (see my photo from yesterday). No access for drinking water so as with any hike, bring your own and bring plenty. And don't attempt the entire White trail unless you're in very good shape and know what you're doing because it'll kick your rear end otherwise. For those hiking round trip of one-way, there's a convenient parking area at the east end of both the Blue and White trails. Expect to see plenty of runners and hikers on weekends. IMPORTANT NOTE: the east trailheads for the Blue and White trails can be accessed for free and have a nice parking lot with picnic tables, etc. If you're having someone drop you off on the far west end to hike back east you'll need to pay a park access fee. I have someone drop me off that has a season pass but I believe it's a daily $7.00 fee to access the west end.

All you can ask for in a scenic, public park! Bring your fishing rod.read more